The National tribune., 1887-05-19

The cry call aboa I'd" was given and the
veterans moved out of the depot and over into
Virginia on their third Invasion" of that
State, and on to Fredericksburg, where they
arrived early in the afternoon. At the depot
there they were met by the Mayor and dele
cation OF citizens, and also by the Fredericks-
burg Grays, Capt. McCracken, who were drawn
up in line, headed by the Eagle Band. After
passing in review before the military they
took" for the hotel, passing through the
principal streets. Along the line of march the
windows were respendent with National en-
blems and fair women, who waved their hand
kerchiefs as a signal Of welcome 10 men, who
quarter OF a century ago, were regarded As
somewhat unwecOme visitors.
On reaching the hotel the Mayor delivered
an address OF welcome, which was happily RS
sponded to 10y Gen. Latta. the President of the
Memorial Association. The order TO break
ranks for dinner was gladly responded TO. aud
soon the spacioas dining room of the hotel was
filed with hungry excursiOnists, who did ample
justice TO the wel-served dinner. After din
ner the boys scattered through the town and
visited the many places of interest in the vi
cinity. Those of Shaler's Brigade made for
Marye's flights, and on toward Salem Church
At the old mansion they were made welcome
by Mr.. Lane and his brother, who entertained
them kindly aud gave them much information.
In the evening there was Campfire at the
courthouse, rendered for the occasion. which
was packed with visitors and citizens. The
boys had a good time listening to speeches,
songs and "reminiscences.
The next morning all the available vehicles
in the city were filled and the start made for
Spottsylvania and the ground on which the
monument is located. By IL a. m. the road
presented an unbroken train Of carriages and
other vehicles OF the visitors, who were all in
the best Of spirits. On arriving at the grounds
they found "A large concourse of people Of both
sexes gathered % witness the exercises.
At Atl2oclock Gen. Wright, as presiding officer
called the asseInblage 10 order at the monument,
and prayer was offered by the Rev j. " Ritner
brevet Captain, of the 49th Pa. After music by
the fredericksburg band Gen. Wright delivered
the opening address and the following letter
was read from President Cleveland:
EXECUTIVE MANsIoN
wAsHRGruN. April o. 1887.
JOHN RoDGERs. Esq. Recording Secretary, etc.
NV DEAR SIR: l have to-day received AN inyi-
tation on behalf of the Sedgwick Memorial Associa-
ton 20 attend. on the l2th May next. the dedication
of n monument which shall mark the spot where
Mai Gen. John Sedgwiek was killed.
The patriotic sentiment and devotion which erect
among the busy throngs Of life imposing
IA memory of those who died i'm battle supply proof
OF that love aud appreciation Of our soldier dead
which Is deeply enwOven as "a part Of our national
life. But when the ground il mark ed and set apart
where in valorous fights the blood was shed and
the sacrifice Of life was made which preserved us a
Nation, holy shrine Is sted where all who love
Elaborate shafts OF marble flltngiy remind us OF
our soldier dead, and their bravery and patriotism
but the touching service your association contem-
plates shall chasten all our thoughts OF them by
pointing out on sacred ground the spot where blood
was brayely shed and life patrioticaIly offered
With thanks 90 the association for their remeu,-
brance OF me at this time and regTeting that off,
oal duties will prevent my acceptance OF the in
Nll~uon rendered me, am, yours very truly,
GEoyKR CLEVELAND.
Letters were also read from the Governors
Of Connecticut Virginia, Maryland, Ohio
Pennsylvania, New jersey, New York and
Massachusetts, and the Mayor Of Philadelphia.
as well as from Gems. Sheridan, Sherman and
Keller and Lieut.. John q. Fisher. of the 18th
n. j., who witnessed Sedgwiek's fall
The memorial tablet was then unyaiIed bv
Gen. Wright Commander Of the Corps, assisted
by SAX officers of Gen. Getty's Division The
monument is Of Quincy granite approximately
pyramidal in form, nine feet in hight and five
ieet i've inches square at the base and sur
mounted by a cross.
During the unyailing the whole assembla2e
sang lmpresslvely in unison, My Country,
'Tis Of Thee"
Gen. J. w. Latta of Pennsylvania, the orator
OF the day, then delivered his address which
was listened TO with profound attention. and
was frequently interrupted by applause.
At It's conclusion Lieut. Col. Pingree ex-
Governor of Vermont, made an earnest and
]
hope that this country would never again be
involved in war. but il war should come all
he said, would be Union men. The speaker
was frequently applauded, and his speech as a
whole WAS enthusiastically received.
The benediction was then pronounced by
Chaplain John w. Sayrcs, Of the Grand ARMY
] OF the Republic or Pennsylvania
The battle-scarred flag OF the First Bripade
/ Third Division Of the Sixth Corps iioared above
1 the speakers stand throughout the ceremonies
At the conclusion of the exercises photographs
were taken Of tho assembled multitude. of th.
sixth Corps, separately and Of the monument.
and the veterans then sat down TO dinner al
4 tables erected in the woods.
The remainder OF the day was spent in visit
ing the various points of interest IN the vicinity
| and late IN the afternoon the veterans returned
| 10 Fredericksburg
The following old Sixth CORPS song was sung
| by the boys. 10 was written during the war
| 10y Miss Mary j.. Masters, a sister Of Col. III. IL.
Masters, young lady Of lG:
THE OLD SIXTH CORPS.
God bless our noble armyi
The hearts are strong aud brave
Ihat have willing come our standard
Prom treasons grasp 10 ave!
But from the Western prairie
To Allantics rocky shore
The truest, noblest hearts of all
Are Ia the " Old Sixth Corps."
ctOrus.-Then ere we part tonight boys,
Ncf sing one song the moro
With chorus swelling loud and clear
God bless the " Old Sixth Corps"
In The thicllest OF the battle,
When lhe cannon's fiery breath
Snlites many "A strong heart, pressing
On TO victory or 10 death;